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MEW YORK 


CONSTITUTIONS, 

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TWIN OX AND 


STATUTES AND GENERAL REGULATIONS ONS ' 

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OF THE 


SUPREME COUNCIL, 33° 

OF THE 

Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite 

FOR THE 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 


THEIR 

TERRITORIES AND DEPENDENCIES, AS REVISED 

1881 . 


NEW YORK: 

MASONIC PUBLISHING COMPANY, 
63 BLEECKER STREET. 

1884. 






















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CONSTITUTIONS, STATUTES 


AND 

GENERAL REGULATIONS 


OF THE 

SUPREME COUNCIL, 33° 

OF THE 

ANCIENT ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE FOR THE UNITED 
STATES OF AMERICA. 


The Supreme Council of Sovereign Grand Inspectors-General 
Thirty-third and last Degree of the Ancient Accepted Scottish 
Rite of Freemasonry for the United States of America, their 
Territories and dependencies ; founded upon the Constitutions 
of 1762, and organized in the city of New York on the 28th day 
of October, a.d. 1807, possesses within itself all the characteristic 
attributes of sovereignty. 

It may create and establish bodies of the various grades sub¬ 
ordinate to it; direct and control the principles and rituals prop¬ 
agated by them; enact and enforce laws and regulations for their 
government; also, determine in every particular all the affairs 
and interests of the Rite within its Jurisdiction. 

In the exercise of these high powers and prerogatives, it adopts 
the following 

Constitutions, Statutes, and General Regulatioms for 

ITS OWN GOVERNMENT AND THAT OF ITS CONSTITUENTS : 

ARTICLE I. 

This Supreme Council shall be composed of its officers, active, 
emeritus, and honorary members, who must all have attained 



4 


the thirty-third and last degree of the Ancient Accepted Scot¬ 
tish Rite of Freemasonry, and whose powers, privileges, and du¬ 
ties shall be as hereinafter defined. 

ARTICLE II. 

The Grand Orient of this Supreme Council shall be at the 
vertical point of the Z.\ beneath the C.\ C.\, answering to 40° 
42' 40" N. L., and 2 0 o' 51" E. of the meridian of the city of 
Washington, D. C., the same being within the limits of the city 
of New York ; from which place all balustres, decrees, and offi¬ 
cial documents shall bear date. 

ARTICLE III. 

Officers. 

Section i. The officers of this Supreme Council shall be : 

1. Sovereign Grand Commander, whose title shall be Most 

Puissant. 

2. Lieutenant Grand Commander, whose title shall be Puis¬ 

sant. 

3. Grand Minister of State. 

4. Grand Treasurer General of the Holy Empire. 

5. Grand Secretary General of the Holy Empire, and Keeper 

of the Seals. 

6. Grand Keeper of Archives. 

7. Grand Master General of Ceremonies. 

8. Grand Marshal General. 

9. Grand Standard-Bearer. 

10. Grand Captain of the Guard. 

Who shall be chosen from among the active members of the 
Supreme Council (annually, beginning with the annual meet¬ 
ing, October, 1882) by secret ballot and a majority of all the 
votes cast. 

The Sow. Gr.\ Commander shall have authority to appoint 
from the active or honorary members of this Council the fol¬ 
lowing officers, to hold during his pleasure, and to have rank 
next after the active and emeritus members of the Council, but 
who shall not thereby be entitled to a vote 

A Grand Prior; three Marshals of the Camp, with the titles of 
Illustrious Marshals of the Camp; and a Grand Seneschal. 


5 


ARTICLE IV. 

Members . 

Section i. Active members, in addition to those now com¬ 
posing this Supreme Council, shall be chosen from among the 
honorary members. They shall be proposed and voted for in 
e xecutive session by secret ballot, and three negative ballots shall 
reject an applicant. 

Sec. 2. The number of active members shall not exceed eighty- 
one, including the officers and at least one S.\ G.*. I.\ G.\ from 
each and every State and Territory represented in the Supreme 
Council. 

Sec. 3. Emeritus members shall be such S.\ G.\ I.*. G.\ as 
have occupied an elective office in this Supreme Council. They 
shall enjoy all the privileges of active membership. 

Sec. 4. Honorary members are all other S.'. G.\ I/. G.\ owing 
allegiance to this Supreme Council not included in either of the 
foregoing classes. They shall be entitled to seats in the Supreme 
Council during its open sessions, may join in debate or speak on 
questions before the Council, but shall not be entitled to vote or 
hold an elective office. 


ARTICLE V. 

Meetings. 

Section i. The Supreme Council shall meet on the fourth 
Tuesday of the month of October in each and every year (at 
such hour as the Sov.\ Gr.\ Commander may determine) for the 
transaction of business and consideration of matters affecting the 
interests of the Rite, and said meeting may adjourn from time to 
time, until the business of the said annual meeting shall be com¬ 
pleted. The Council shall be opened with full ceremonial, and 
the officers and members shall be decorated with the insignia of 
the grade. 

Sec. 2. Special or extraordinary meetings may be called by 
the Sov.\ Gr.\ Commander, or at the request in writing of five 
active members, at any time and place ; notice of which, stating 
the object, shall be served on every member of the Council at 





6 


least ten days before the date of such meeting, and no other 
business than that specified in said notice shall then be trans¬ 
acted. 

Sec. 3. Executive sessions of active and emeritus members 
only, shall be held at every annual meeting, and may also be 
held at such other times as the business of the Supreme Council 
may require. 

Sec. 4. The Sov.*. Grand Commander or the Lieut.'. Grand 
Commander and four active members of the Supreme Council 
shall be a quorum for the transaction of business. In the absence 
of the Sovereign and the Lieutenant Grand Commanders, five 
Sov.'. Gr.\ Ins.*. Gen.’., active members of this Supreme Coun¬ 
cil, shall form such a quorum, and the senior officer or active 
member present shall preside. 

ARTICLE VI. 

Duties of Officers. 

Section i. The Sov.*. Grand Commander is the Supreme 
Chief of the Rite within the Jurisdiction of this Supreme Coun¬ 
cil. He shall preside at all meetings of the Council, and (if he 
so elect) at all assemblies of bodies owing obedience to this Su¬ 
preme Council which he may favor with his presence. He shall 
have power to call special meetings as provided in Art. V.; he 
may issue dispensations for the organization of Subordinate 
Bodies during the recess of the Supreme Council, make all ap¬ 
pointments not otherwise provided for by the Constitution and 
General Regulations; sign orders on the Gr.\ Treas.'. Gen.*, for 
money previously approved and passed by the Supreme Council, 
and have a general supervision over the interests of the Rite, 
and report his proceedings to the Supreme Council at its. annual 
meeting. 

Sec. 2. The Lieut.*. Grand Commander shall (during the absence 
or disability of the Sov.*. Gr.\ Com.*.) succeed to, enjoy the pre¬ 
rogatives, and perform the duties of Sovereign Grand Commander 
until the next following annual meeting of the Supreme Council. 

Sec. 3. The Minister of State shall preside at meetings of the 
Supreme Council in the absence of the Sov,*. and Lieut.*. Gr.\ 


; 


Commanders, and in the event of the disability of both Command¬ 
ers, shall succeed to and perform the duties of Sov.\ Gr.\ Com.*, 
until the next annual meeting of the Supreme Council. 

Sec. 4. The Grand Treasurer General of the H.\ E.\ shall re¬ 
ceive from the Grand Secretary General all moneys received by 
the latter officer on account of the Supreme Council; keep a cor¬ 
rect account of the same in a book provided for that purpose, and 
pay them out only on an order or warrant signed by the Sov.\ Gr.\ 
Com.*, and the Gr.\ Sec.*. Gen.*. He shall at the annual meeting 
present a detailed statement of receipts and disbursements (with 
vouchers) and surrender to the Council (at said annual meeting, or 
when demanded at any time by a majority vote of the active mem¬ 
bers present) the books, funds, and other property belonging to it 
in his possession. 

Sec. 5. The Grand Secretary General of the H.\ E.*. shall have 
an office at the seat of the Grand Orient. He shall keep in proper 
books provided for the purpose, correct records of the transactions 
of the Supreme Council, oaths of fealty for all S. G. I. G.’s, a reg¬ 
ister of all brethren of the Supreme Council's obedience, showing 
date of their reception, rank, age, residence, and Lodge of the York 
Aite in which they hold membership. He shall conduct the corre¬ 
spondence of the Supreme Council and keep copies of the same in 
his office; he shall furnish to subordinate bodies all documentary 
forms to be used by them. He shall receive all moneys due the Su¬ 
preme Council and pay the same over to the Grand Treasurer Gen¬ 
eral without unnecessary delay ; draw, and with the Sovereign Grand 
Commander, sign money orders on the Grand Treasurer General 
for such sums as may have been approved by the Supreme Council. 
He shall present to the Supreme Council at its annual meeting a 
detailed report of the business of his office not previously pub¬ 
lished, and deliver to the order of the Supreme Council when it 
shall so demand, all books, documents, and property of every de¬ 
scription (belonging to it) in his possession. He shall receive such 
remuneration for his services as the Supreme Council at its annual 
meeting may determine. * 

Sec. 6, The Grand Keeper of the Archives shall reside at the 
Grand East. He shall faithfully keep the archives of the Supreme 
Council, and all such documents and things as shall be entrusted to 
him by vote of the Supreme Council, or by deposit of any of the Grand 
Officers. All original papers received, and copies of all official 


8 


letters sent by any of the Grand Officers, (reserving copies of the 
documents when they judge the same to be necessary for the con¬ 
venience of their several offices,) shall be deposited in the archives; 
and the Keeper of the Archives shall furnish each officer with offi¬ 
cial copies of any paper on file in his office when demanded, 
and also to furnish the Secretary with copies of the Journal of the 
Supreme Council—copies thus received or furnished to be the 
property of the Supreme Council, and to pass to the successor of 
the Grand Officer intrusted with their possession, to the end that 
there shall be preserved, in different deposits, sets of original and 
copies of important records. 

Sec. 7. The Grand Master General of Ceremonies shall assist 
and perform such duties in conferring the high grades of Masonry 
as the Sovereign Grand Commander may direct. He shall introduce 
visitors to the Supreme Council, instruct Subordinate Bodies in the 
ritual of the Rite as adopted by this Supreme Council, and attend 
to such other matters as established usage has connected with his 
office. 

Sec. 8. The Grand Marshal General shall have control and direc¬ 
tion of all processions of the bodies of the Rite in which the Su¬ 
preme Council may participate, and perform such other duties 
under the direction of the Sovereign Grand Commander as custom 
and usage have connected with his office. 

Sec. 9. The Grand Standard-Bearer shall guard and protect the 
banner of the Rite during processions, or wherever else it may be 
used. 

Sec. 10. The Grand Captain of the Guard shall keep faithful 
watch within and without the Supreme Council-chamber, to see 
that the portals are securely guarded, and perform such other duties 
as the Sov.\ Gr.\ Com.', may direct. 

Sec. 11. The Grand Prior shall lead the devotional exercises in 
the Supreme Council, and at annual meetings deliver an address 
on some topic of interest previously determined. 

Sec. 12. The Marshals of the Camp shall attend at all meetings 
of the Supreme Council, and perform such duties as the Sov.\ Gr.\ 
Com.*, may require. 

Sec. 13. The Grand Seneschal shall have charge of the parapher¬ 
nalia and furniture of the Supreme Council; prepare the Council- 


9 


chamber for the deliberations and work of the Supreme Council; 
guard the portals, and perform such other duties as the Sov.\ Gr.\ 
Com.*, may direct; and receive such compensation as the Supreme 
Council may at its annual meeting determine. 


ARTICLE VII. 

Deputies . 

Section i. The Sovereign Grand Commander may (with the ap¬ 
proval of the Supreme Council) appoint from among the active or 
honorary members, a Deputy of the Supreme Council for each and 
every State and Territory within the Jurisdiction in which no Grand 
Consistory exists. 

Sec. 2. The Deputies of the Supreme Council in the several 
States and Territories shall be the official representatives of this 
Supreme Council, and exercise all the powers of the said Council, 
within their respective districts, subject to the authority of the 
Supreme Council only. They shall see that the laws, regulations, 
and decrees of this Supreme Council are properly executed; in¬ 
spect the work and supervise the affairs of the several bodies of 
the Rite in their respective districts; collect the reports of the work 
and dues to the Supreme Council, and transmit the same to the 
Grand Secretary General before the 27th day of the month of Sep¬ 
tember in each and every year. They shall be entitled to receive 
from bodies requiring their assistance for purposes of instruction or 
otherwise in the interest of the Rite, the amount of actual expenses 
incurred in the performance of such services. 


ARTICLE VIII. 

Committees. 

• 

Section i. The Sovereign Grand Commander shall, at every 
annual meeting of the Supreme Council, appoint Committees as be¬ 
low named, who shall continue in office one year, and meet for 
business purposes at least thirty days before the time appointed for 
the succeeding annual meeting. Such Committees shall be com¬ 
posed of the active members of the Supreme Council, viz.: 


10 


1. On the General State of the Rite to consist of 

2. On Constitution and Laws “ 

3. On Jurisprudence 

4. On Finance 

5. On Rituals and matters connected 

therewith “ 

6. On Foreign Relations “ 

7. On Warrants “ 

8. On Returns and Deputies’ Reports “ 

9. On Unfinished Business 

10. On Deceased Members “ 


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members. 

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ARTICLE IX. 
Subordinate Bodies . 


Section i. The several grades of the Ancient and Accepted 
Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in this Jurisdiction shall be conferred 
in Subordinate Bodies as follows, to wit: 

The 4th and to the 14th degree, both inclusive, in Lodges of 
Perfection; the 15th and 16th degrees in Councils of Princes of 
Jerusalem; the 17th and 18th degrees in Chapters of Rose Croix 
de H. R. D. M. ; the 19th and to the 30th degree, both inclusive, 
in a Council of Kadosh ; the 31st and 32d degrees in the Grand 
Consistory of the State or Territory, or from the Deputy of said 
State or Territory where no Grand Consistory has been organized. 


ARTICLE X. 

Authority over the Degrees. 

Section i. The Supreme Council reserves to itself the right, 
without reference to its Subordinate Bodies (for reasons which it 
may deem satisfactory), to confer any of the grades of the Rite. It 
may delegate authority to Sovereign Grand Inspectors General to 
confer the same up to and including the thirty-second degree in for¬ 
eign countries where no Supreme Council exists; also in States 
and Territories within its Jurisdiction for the purpose of' establish¬ 
ing Bodies subordinate to it. 

Sec. 2. Candidates for the degrees and for membership in any of 
these Bodies must furnish proof of membership in good standing in 
Bodies of the preceding grades, and their petitions shall be pre- 


11 


sented at a stated meeting, referred to a committee for investiga¬ 
tion as to character and fitness, who shall report; when unanimous 
consent by secret ballot shall be necessary to elect. 

Sec. 3. All dispensations and charters to organize Subordinate 
Bodies, blank diplomas, and letters patent or of credence, shall 
emanate from the Supreme Council with the great Seal Of the 
Council affixed. Oaths of fealty and forms of documents of every 
description used by Subordinate Bodies shall be approved by this 
Supreme Council before becoming effective. 

Sec. 4. All rituals for opening and closing the several bodies, 
and for conferring the various grades from the 4th to the 32d, both 
inclusive ; also forms for installation and other ceremonies of the 
Rite shall be issued by this Supreme Council, and Subordinate 
Bodies are strictly prohibited from using any other. 

Sec. 5. No dispensation shall be issued to organize a body of 
the Rite in any city or town where one of equal grade in obedience 
to this Supreme Council shall at the time be in existence, without 
the recommendation of all whose Jurisdiction would be affected 
thereby ; nor in any case without the approval of the Deputy of 
this Supreme Council for the State or Territory in which the appli¬ 
cants for said dispensation may reside. 

Sec. 6. Dispensations or warrants to organize Subordinate Bodies 
shall not be issued until the fee prescribed by these Constitutions 
shall be paid to the Grand Secretary General. 

ARTICLE XI. 

Lodges of Perfection. 

Section i. A Lodge of Perfection may be organized upon the 
application of twenty or more G. E. P. and S. M.’s, four of whom 
shall have attained the grade of Sublime Prince of the Royal Se¬ 
cret, 32d degree. 

Sec. 2. Lodges of Perfection shall have control of and authority 
to confer the following degrees, to wit : 

4 0 Secret Master. 

5 0 Perfect Master. 

6° Intimate Secretary. 

7 0 Provost and Judge. 


12 


8° Intendant of the Building. 

9° Elect of Nine. 
io° Elect of Fifteen. 

| 11° Sublime Knight Elect. 

12° Grand Master Architect. 

13° Knight of the Ninth Arch. 

14 0 Grand Elect Perfect and Sublime Mason. 

At least one of which shall be conferred with full ceremonial 
before the candidate can receive the degree of G. E. P. and S. M., 
which grade shall always be so conferred, except as hereinafter pro¬ 
vided. 

Sec. 3. A Lodge of Perfection shall not receive a petition for 
the degrees conferred by it unless the candidate is at the time a 
Master Mason in good standing in a Symbolic Lodge under the 
jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of F. and A. M.’s in the State or 
Territory in which he may reside, or that of a Grand Lodge in fra¬ 
ternal correspondence with the same. 

Sec. 4. The Officers of a Lodge of Perfection shall be styled and 
take rank as follows : 

1. Grand Master, whose title is Thrice Potent. 

2. Deputy Gr.\ Mas.*., whose title is Hiram of Tyre. 

3. Senior Grand Warden, whose title is Venerable. 

4. Junior Grand Warden, whose title is Venerable. 

5. Grand Orator. 

6. Grand Treasurer. 

7. Grand Secretary, Keeper of S. and A. 

8. Grand Master of Ceremonies. 

9. Grand Captain of the Guard. 

10. Grand Hospitaller. 

11. Grand Tiler. 

The first seven of whom shall be elected by ballot, and a majority 
of all the votes cast at the stated communication of the Lodge next 
preceding the third day of the month Adar in each year, and in¬ 
stalled on or before the following stated communication. The re¬ 
maining officers shall be appointed by the Grand Master, and hold 
office during his pleasure. 

Sec. 5. The first four officers of a Lodge of Perfection shall have 
attained the grade of S.\ P.\ of the R.\ S.\, 32d degree. 


13 


Sec. 6. A Lodge of Perfection may be opened for the transaction 
of business if the Gr.\ Mas.', or the Dep.\ Gr.\ Mas.-., or either of 
the Wardens and five members be present. 

Sec. 7. Lodges of Perfection shall, every year, celebrate the build¬ 
ing of the first Temple in the month Tishri, and shall also observe 
the fifth day of the month Ab, in memory of its dedication. 

ARTICLE XII. 

Councils of Princes of Jerusalem. 

Section i. A Council of Princes of Jerusalem may be organized 
upon the application of twenty Knights, Prince Masons (three of 
whom have attained the grade of S.\ P.\ of the R.\ S.\), members 
(at the time of making application) in good standing of a Lodge of 
Perfection under the jurisdiction of this Supreme Council. 

Sec. 2. Council of Princes of Jerusalem shall have control of 
and authority to confer the degrees of: 

15 0 Knight of the East or Sword. 

16° Prince of Jerusalem. 

At least one of which shall be conferred with full ceremonial on 
each candidate, except as hereinafter provided. 

Sec. 3. A Council of Princes of Jerusalem shall not receive a 
petition for the degrees conferred by it, unless the applicant is at 
the time a member in good standing in a Lodge of Perfection 
under the jurisdiction of this Supreme Council. 

Sec. 4. The officers of a Council of Princes of Jerusalem shall 
be styled and take rank as follows : 

1. The Sov.\ Pr.\ Gr.\ Mas.-., whose title is Most Equitable. 

2. The Gr.\ High Priest, Dep.\ Gr.\ Mas.'. 

3. The Senior Gr.\ Warden, whose title is Most Enlightened. 

4. The Junior Gr.\ Warden, “ “ “ 

5. The Grand Treasurer. “ Valorous. 

6. The Grand Secretary, Keeper of the S.\ and A.'., whose title 

is Valorous. 

7. The Grand Mas.-, of Ceremonies, whose title is Valorous. 

8. The Grand Almoner, a “ 

9. The Grand Mas.*, of Entrances, “ “ 

10. The Grand Tiler, 


14 


The first three of whom shall have received the grade of S.\ P.*. of 
the R.\ S.\, 32d degree, and the first six of whom shall be elected 
by ballot and a majority of all the votes cast at the stated Conclave 
of the Council next preceding the twentieth day of the month Tebet, 
and installed into office on or before the following stated Conclave. 
The remaining officers maybe appointed by the Sov.\ Pr/. Gr.\ 
Mas/., and hold office during his pleasure. 

Sec. 5. The Sov/. Pr.\ Gr.\ Mas/., the Gr.\ High Priest, or 
either of the Wardens and four members of a Council, may open 
the same, and be a quorum for the transaction of business. 

Sec. 6. Councils of Pr.\ of Jer/. shall assemble on the equinoc¬ 
tial days in spring and autumn—hold the following feasts, to wit : 
The grand feast on the 23d day of the month Adar, in memory of 
the thank-offering that day rendered to God for the rebuilding of 
the Temple; and on the 20th day of the month Tebet, a feast to 
celebrate the commemoration of the triumphal entry into Jeru¬ 
salem of the embassadors on their return from Babylon. Shall not 
receive petitions except from members of Lodge of Perfection un¬ 
der this Jurisdiction. 


ARTICLE XIII. 

Chapters of Rose Croix. 

Section i. A Chapter of Rose Croix of H.\ R/. D.\ M.\ 
Knights of the Eagle and Pelican may be organized upon the 
application of twenty Knights of the East and West, Perfect Prince 
Masons of H.\ R.*. D.'. M.\, three of whom shall have re¬ 
ceived the grade of S.\ P.\ of the R.\ S.\, and members (at the time 
of making application) in good standing in a Council of Princes of 
Jer/. under the jurisdiction of this Supreme Council. 

Sec. 2. Chapters of Rose Croix shall have control of and author¬ 
ity to confer the following degrees, to wit : 

17° Knight of the East and West. 

18 0 Knight of the Rose Croix de H.\ R.\ D.\ M/. 

At least one of which shall be conferred with full ceremonial, except 
as hereinafter provided. 

Sec. 3. A Chapter of Rose Croix shall not receive a petition for 
the degrees conferred by it, unless the applicant is at the time a 






i5 


member in good standing in a Council of Princes of Jerusalem 
under the Jurisdiction of this Supreme Council. 

Sec. 4. The officers of a Chapter of Rose Croix shall be styled 
and take rank as follows : 

1. Master, whose title shall be M.\ Wise and Per.'. 

2. Senior Warden, whose title shall be M.\ Ex.*, and P.'. K.\ 

3. Junior Warden, “ “ “ “ 

4. Orator, “ “ “ “ 

5. Treasurer, whose title shall be Respectable and Per.'. K.*. 

6. Secretary, “ “ “ “ 

7. Hospitaller, “ “ “ “ 

8. Mas.', of Cer.\, “ “ “ “ 

9. Cap.*, of the G.'., “ “ “ “ 


The first three named shall have received the grade of S.\ P.'. 
of the R.\ S.\, 32d degree, and the first six of whom shall be 
elected by ballot, and a majority of all the votes cast at the stated 
convocation of the Chapter next preceding Holy Thursday or As¬ 
cension-day in each year, and installed on or before the next stated 
convocation ; the remaining officers shall be appointed by the Mas¬ 
ter, and hold office during his pleasure. 


Sec. 5. A Chapter of Rose Croix may be opened for the trans¬ 
action of business if the Master, or either of the Wardens and five 
members be present. 

Sec. 6 . Chapters of Rose Croix are recommended to meet on 
the following days, viz.: Maundy-Thursday, Easter-day, first Thurs¬ 
day after Easter, Ascension-day, Pentecost, All-Saints-day, both 
feast days of St. John. 


ARTICLE XIV. 

Councils of Kadosh. 

Section i. A Council of Kadosh, 30th degree, may be organized 
upon the application of thirty Sublime Princes who have attained 
the thirtieth grade of the Rite, three of whom shall have received 
the grade of S.\ P.\ of the R.'. S.\, 32d degree, and members (at 
the time of making the application) in good standing in a Chapter 
of Rose Croix under the jurisdiction of this Supreme Council. 


16 


Sec. 2. A Council of Kadosh, 30th degree, shall have control of 
and authority to confer the following degrees, to wit : 

19 0 Grand Pontiff. 

20 0 Master ad Vitam. 

21 0 Patriarch Noachite. 

22 0 Prince of Libanus. 

23 0 Chief of the Tabernacle. 

24 0 Prince of the Tabernacle. 

2 5 0 Knight of the Brazen Serpent. 

26° Prince of Mercy. 

27 0 Commander of the Temple. 

28° Knight of the Sun. 

29 0 Knight of St. Andrew. 

30° Grand Elect K.\ H.\, or Knight of the White and 
Black Eagle. 

At least one of which shall be conferred with full ceremonials and 
instruction before admitting the candidate to the grade of Grand 
Elect Kadosh, which shall always be in full form, except by special 
dispensation from the Sov.'. Gr.\ Com.*, or the Deputy of the Su¬ 
preme Council. 

Sec. 3. The officers of a Council of Kadosh shall be styled and 
take rank as follows, viz. : 

1. Ill.*. Commander. 

2. “ First Lieut.*. Commander. 

3. “ Second Lieut.*. Commander. 

4. “ Minister of State and Gr.*. Orator. 

5. “ Grand Chancellor. 

6. “ “ Treasurer. 

7. “ “ Secretary and Keeper of S.\ and A.*. 

8. “ ‘‘ Mas.*, of Ceremonies. 

9. “ “ Engineer and Architect. 

10. “ “ Standard-Bearer. 

11. “ u Hospitaller. 

12. “ “ Cap.*, of the Guard. 

13. “ “ Sentinel. 

The first three of whom shall have received the grade of S.\ P.\ of 
the R.\ S.\, 32d degree, and the first seven of whom shall be 
elected by ballot and a majority of all votes cast at the stated 
rendezvous next preceding the festival of Saint John the Evan- 




17 


gelist, and installed on or before the next stated rendezvous ; the 
remaining officers shall be appointed by the Commander, and hold 
office during his pleasure. 

Sec. 4. A Council of Kadosh may open and transact business if 
the 111 .*. Commander or one of the Lieutenant Commanders and 
six members be present. 


ARTICLE XV. 

Grand Consistories . 

Section i. In each State or Territory under the jurisdiction of 
this Supreme Council, wherein are located a duly warranted Coun¬ 
cil of Kadosh, 30th degree ; Chapter of Rose Croix, 18th degree ; 
Council of Princes of Jerusalem, 16th degree ; and a Lodge of 
Perfection of Grand Elect Perfect and Sublime Masons, 14th de¬ 
gree, there may be established upon the application of the first 
three officers of the aforesaid bodies accompanied by the prescribed 
fee and the recommendation of the Deputy for the said State or 
Territory, a Grand Consistory of Sublime Princes of the Royal Se¬ 
cret, 32d degree. 

Sec. 2. A Grand Consistory instituted in a State or Territory 
shall thereupon assume and exercise the powers and authority of a 
Deputy of this Supreme Council over the Ancient and Accepted 
Rite under its jurisdiction, and the Ill.'. Commander-in-Chief shall 
be entitled to active representation and membership in the Supreme 
Council during the occupancy of said office. 

Sec. 3. The officers of a Grand Consistory shall be styled and 
take rank as follows, viz. : 

1. 111 .'. Commander-in-Chief (who shall be chosen from 

among the S.\ G.\ I.*. G.\ of said State or 
Territory). 

2. Ill.*. Deputy Commander-in-Chief. 

3. il First Lieutenant Commander. 

4. “ Second Lieutenant Commander. 

5. “ Minister of State and Grand Orator. 

6. “ Grand Chancellor. 

7. u “ Treasurer. 

8. “ “ Secretary. 

0 “ “ Prior. 



i8 


io. Ill/. Grand Master of Ceremonies. 


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Engineer and Architect. 

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Marshal. 

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Standard-Bearer. 

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Hospitaller. 

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Captain of the Guard. 

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Sentinel. 


Sec. 4. The membership of a Grand Consistory shall consist of 
the elective officers, the first three officers of the Councils of Ka- 
dosh. Chapters of Rose Croix, Councils of Princes of Jerusalem, 
and the first four officers of Lodges of Perfection or their duly quali¬ 
fied proxies, Honorary S.\ G.\ I.*. Generals of the State, and all 
Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, 32d degree. 

Sec. 5. The Grand Consistory shall meet annually for the trans¬ 
action of legislative or executive business concerning the Rite with¬ 
in their State or Territory, and at such sessions its officers, repre¬ 
sentatives, and the Sov.'. G.\ I.*. G.\ only, shall be entitled to vote 
on matters concerning the government of the Rite or for the elec¬ 
tion of nominees for the honorary grade of S.\ G.’. I.*. G.\ 

Sec. 6. All Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret, 32d degree, 
shall be entitled to seats in the Grand Consistory and voice in 
debate by permission of the Ill.*. Commander-in-Chief. 

Sec. 7. It shall hold an assembly for the conferring of the de¬ 
grees of Grand Inspector Inquisitor Commander, 31st degree, and 
Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret, 32d degree, as often as may 
be deemed requisite, and special assemblies may be held for such 
purpose in each city and town wherein are located a Council of 
Kadosh, 30th degree, upon the application of nine officers or rep¬ 
resentatives of the said Grand Consistory to the Ill.'. Commander- 
in-Chief. 

Sec. 8. Grand Consistories shall keep records of their proceed¬ 
ings, and the Ill.'. Commander-in-Chief shall transmit to the Grand 
Sec.’. Gen.’, a copy of the same as soon as possible after the close 
of each meeting. 

Sec. 9. At every annual assembly of a Grand Consistory the 
manner of conferring some one or more degrees of the Rite shall 
be exemplified with full ceremonial. 




ARTICLE XVI. 

Revenue . 

Section i. The revenues of this Supreme Council shall be de¬ 
rived from the following sources, to wit: 

1. For dispensations and warrants (or charters to institute Sub¬ 

ordinate Bodies). 

2. A tax on said Bodies for every brother admitted to the highest 

grade conferred by it. 

3. An annual tribute by said Bodies. 

4. A fee for every certificate of membership, letter patent, or of 

credence and diploma issued. 

5. A fee for conferring the grade of S.\ G.\ I.*. G.\ 

ARTICLE XVII. 

Warrants . 

Section i. The charge for warrants shall be as follows : 

Warrant for a Grand Consistory. 

u “ Council of Kadosh. 

“ ‘‘ Chapter of Rose Croix. 

“ 11 Council of Princes of Jerusalem. 

“ Lodge of Perfection. 

Charges for warrants and diplomas to go into the Treasury. 

ARTICLE XVIII. 

Rates for Conferring Degrees. 

Section i. The minimum rate for conferring the degrees of the 
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, by all Bodies under this Jurisdic¬ 


tion, shall be as follows, viz. r 

In a Grand Consistory. $10 00 

“ Council of Kadosh. 10 00 

11 Chapter of Rose Croix. 10 00 

“ Council of Princes of Jerusalem. 10 00 

li Lodge of Perfection. 10 00 


$25 

00 

25 

00 

25 

00 

25 

00 

25 

00 













20 


ARTICLE XIX. 

Increase of Fees. 

Section i. No Grand Consistory, Council of Kadosh, Chapter 
of Rose Croix, Council of Princes of Jerusalem, or Lodge of Per¬ 
fection shall confer any of the degrees for any less sums than 
those hereinbefore provided ; but may increase the amount at their 
pleasure. 

Sec. 2. No warrant shall be issued, except to a Grand Consistory, 
until the Body applying therefor shall have worked under dispensa¬ 
tion at least three months, and be recommended by the Deputy 
of the Supreme Council for the State or Territory in which said 
Body is located. 

Sec. 3. The several Subordinate Bodies shall pay (through their 
Grand Consistory or the Deputy of the State) into the Treasury of 
this Supreme Council at the time of making their annual returns for 
each and every brother admitted to its highest grade, the following 
sums, to wit : 


From a Lodge of Perfection. $1 00 

“ Council of Princes of Jerusalem. 1 00 

u Chapter of Rose Croix. 1 00 

u Council of Kadosh. 1 00 

u Grand Consistory. 1 00 


And all Subordinate Bodies holding dispensations or warrants shall 
pay the sum of $5.00 in addition to the fees constitutionally re¬ 
quired, annually to the Supreme Council, which sum shall accom¬ 
pany their returns. 

Sec. 4. The charge for certificates, letters patent, and diplomas 
of the several grades shall be as follows : 


Grand Consistories. $3 00 

“ “ parchment. 4 00 

u S.\ G.\ I.\ G.\, 33d degree. 5 00 


The fee for conferring the grade of Sov.'. Gr.\ Ins.-. Gen.-, shall 
be $50 00. 











GENERAL REGULATIONS. 


t. On occasions of ceremony the officers and members of the 
Supreme Council shall take rank as follows : 

1. Soy.*. Gr.\ Com. 

2. Lieut.*. Gr.*. Com.*. 

3. Past Sov.\ Gr.*. Com.*. 

4. Gr.*. Min.*, of State.*. 

5. “ Treas.*. Gen.*. 

6. li Sec.*. Gen.*. 

7. “ Keeper of the Archives. 

8. “ Mas.*. Gen.*, of Cer.*. 

9. “ Marshal Gen.*. 

10. “ Standard-Bearer. 

11. “ Cap.*, of the Guard. 

12. “ Commanders-in-Chief of Grand Consistories and 

Deputies of the Supreme Council. 

13. “ Grand Prior. 

14. u Marshals of the Camp. 

15. “ Seneschal. 

16. Active members according to seniority. 

17. Emeritus “ “ “ 

j 8. Honorary “ “ “ 

2. Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, active or emeritus mem¬ 
bers of this Supreme Council, shall have the right to visit any of 
the Bodies of the Rite owing allegiance to it without formality or 
ceremony on his part, if he so desire; but if announced in his offi¬ 
cial capacity, must display the insignia of his rank. He shall then be 
received under the Arch of Steel, with the high honors of his grade 
and conducted to the dais. He may inspect the work, correct 
irregularities, and perform such other acts as he may deem advis¬ 
able for the best interests of the Rite ; and for his actions he shall 
be amenable to the Supreme Council. 




22 


3. An active member who shall resign his seat in this Supreme 
Council shall, as a past active member, have the right to be present 
at all sessions of the Supreme Council and to a voice therein, but 
no vote. 

4. An officer or active member absenting himself from the meet¬ 
ings of the Supreme Council for two successive years without satis¬ 
factory reason therefor shall be deemed to have resigned his activ¬ 
ity, and may by a two-thirds vote of all the active members present 
at the following annual meeting be retired from his rank, and placed 
on the list of honorary members. 

5. Every State and Territory within this Jurisdiction shall be 
entitled to nominate, through the Grand Consistory thereof, one 
candidate for the degree of Sovereign Grand Inspector General 
and Honorary member of this Supreme Council for every fifty G.*. 
E.\ P.\ and S.\ Masons exalted within its Jurisdiction. At the 
annual adjustment of the number each district shall be entitled to 
the fractional part of said fifty (if any there be), shall be carried for¬ 
ward on the books of the Supreme Council to the credit of said 
State or Territory, and allowed to accumulate until another hon¬ 
orary member shall have been earned, and the fractional surplus 
again carried forward in like manner and with like result. 

6. Petitions for the grade of Sov.*. Gr.\ Ins.*. Gen.', shall be in 
writing, signed by the applicant, giving name in full ; place and 
date of birth ; religion, occupation, and rank in the several Bodies 
of the A.‘. and A.*. S.\ Rite and York Rites; said petitions shall be 
recommended by two active members, referred to a committee for 
investigation and report; when a vote by secret ballot shall be 
taken, and unless three rejecting ballots appear, the candidate shall 
be declared elected. The honors of this grade shall not be con¬ 
ferred upon any applicant under the age of thirty-three years. 

7. Candidates elected to the grade of Sov.*. Gr.\ Ins.*. Gen.', 
failing to present themselves at the succeeding annual meeting 
without satisfactory reason therefor, shall forfeit all privileges fol¬ 
lowing said election, unless otherwise ordered by the Supreme 
Council. 

8. The grade of Sov.*. Gr.\ Ins.*. Gen.', shall be conferred only 
in Supreme Council, or by its duly appointed delegate. 


23 


9. Honorary members of this Supreme Council ceasing to be 
members of all the Subordinate Bodies, shall forfeit their rights to 
seats in this Supreme Council. 

10. Notices of the meetings of the Supreme Council shall be 
sent to every member thereof—active, emeritus, and honorary. 

ti. No contract to bind this Supreme Council for the payment 
of money shall be entered into by any of its members, except in 
pursuance of an order previously made by the Supreme Council. 

12. No money shall be drawn from the Treasury except upon a 
warrant in accordance with an order previously made by the Su¬ 
preme Council. 

13. Every Subordinate Body of the Rite should meet at least 
four times in each and every year. 

14. The admission of candidates to the several Subordinate 
Bodies shall be by unanimous consent expressed by secret ballot. 

15. Subordinate Bodies may form and adopt laws for their own 
government not inconsistent with the Constitution, Statutes, and 
General Regulations adopted by this Supreme Council. 

16. An elective officer of a Subordinate Body shall not be per¬ 
mitted to resign. 

17. In the decision of questions in Subordinate Bodies not pro¬ 
vided for by these Constitutions, the laws, regulations, and usages 
of the Grand Lodge of the York Rite in the State or Territory in 
which said Body may be located, shall be adopted. 

18. All members of the A.-, and A.'. S.\ Rite up to and includ¬ 
ing the grade of S.\ P.\ of the R.*. S.\, shall be amenable to the 
several Bodies in which they hold membership. Any Body of the 
Rite may try and sentence a member for a Masonic offence ; but 
such sentence shall not have any effect in the Bodies higher in 
grade than the one in which the trial occurred, until the cause be 
examined by such higher Body and re-affirmed. The judgment of 
a superior Body in sentencing an offender shall be binding in the 
Bodies lower in grade. 

19. Any member disciplined in the Body of which he is a mem¬ 
ber may appeal to the Grand Consistory of his State, or to the Su¬ 
preme Council. 


24 


20. Every Subordinate Body shall make returns annually on 
forms furnished by this Supreme Council, giving full particulars of 
their work as therein required. One copy of which shall be sent 
to the Grand Secretary General before the 27th day of September; 
one copy to the Deputy or Grand Consistory for the State or Ter¬ 
ritory ; and one copy filed in the archives of the Body making the 
returns—all of which shall bear the Seal and be certified by the 
presiding officer and Secretary. 

21. All Subordinate Bodies neglecting or refusing to make re¬ 
turns and pay dues as provided and specified in these Constitutions 
for two consecutive years without satisfactory reasons to the Su¬ 
preme Council shall forfeit their warrants, and the Sov. •. Grand 
Commander shall within ninety days after the close of each annual 
session declare the warrants of such delinquent Bodies suspended, 
and the Grand Consistory or Deputy for the State or Territory shall 
thereupon demand from such Bodies the surrender to the Supreme 
Council of the warrant and other properties. 

22. Vacancies occurring in elective offices in any Subordinate 
Body of the Rite between the stated times of election, may be filled 
by the presiding officer of such Body, and the appointee shall hold 
such office until the next succeeding annual meeting. Vacancies 
in the first or presiding office shall be filled in order by the second, 
third, and fourth officer. 

23. Secretaries of Subordinate Bodies shall keep correct registers 
of all admissions to membership, showing date of same, and of tak¬ 
ing 0 .\ of F.\ ; also, place and date of birth, residence, and occu¬ 
pation. They shall report the rejection of petitions for the degrees 
in their Bodies to the presiding officers of all other Bodies of equal 
grade in the State or Territory. They shall within twenty days 
after the election of officers forward a certificate thereof to the 
Grand Consistory or Deputy for the State or Territory, and to the 
Grand Secretary General of the H.\ E.\, with the post-office ad¬ 
dress of the presiding officer. 

24. These Constitutions shall not be amended or repealed un¬ 
less notice thereof in writing be given at an annual meeting of the 
Supreme Council; referred to an appropriate Standing Committee ; 
entered in the minutes; printed with the published proceedings of 
such annual meeting and at the next succeeding annual meeting ; 
three-fourths of all the active and emeritus members present (if a 
majority of the voters of the Council) agree thereto. 


INDEX TO THE CONSTITUTION. 


PAGE 

Absence from Sessions of Supreme Council. 22 

Active Members, number of. 5 

when and how chosen. 5 

one, at least, from each State. 5 

officers to be taken from. 4 

right of, to visit Subordinate Bodies. 21 

vacating membership. 22 

Amendments to Constitution, how adopted. 24 

Annual Sessions of Supreme Council, how opened. 5 

when held. 5 

Archives, original papers deposited in.. 7 

Bodies, Subordinate, active members have the right to visit. 21 

minimum fees in. 19 

dues from, to Supreme Council. . 20 

may increase minimum fees, but can not de¬ 
crease them. 20 

on dissolution of, properties, etc., to be depos¬ 
ited with Deputy or Supreme Council. 24 

discipline in, effect of. 24 

Secretaries of, to keep register . 24 

when and how to make returns. 24 

rights of Sovereign Grand Inspectors General in. 21 
By-Laws, power of Bodies to adopt. 23 

Chapter of Rose Croix, officers of. 15 

qualification of first three officers. 15 

quorum in. 15 

regular meetings of. 15 

special meetings of. 15 

returns of. 24 

power of, to confer degrees. 14 

elections in, time of. 15 

power of, to adopt By-Laws. 23 

vacancies in offices in, how filled. 24 

































26 


PAGE 


Committees, Standing, list of .,.. 

how appointed. 

term of service. 

when and where to meet. 

Charters, to emanate only from Supreme Councils. 

fees for. 

Council of Kadosh, officers of. 

qualification of first three officers. 

quorum in. 

meetings. 

power of, to confer degrees. 

elections in, when held. 

power of, to adopt By-Laws. 

vacancies in offices in, how filled. 

Constitutions, how amended... 

of 1762. . 

Councils of Princes of Jerusalem, officers of. 

qualification of first three officers... 

quorum in. 

Grand Feast of. 

elections, when held. 

meetings of obligation. 

power of, to confer degrees. 

petitions for degrees in, requisites of 

returns of . 

power of, to adopt By-Laws. 

Commander-in-Chief of Grand Consistory, rank of. 17, 

qualification for election of 

duties of. 

position in Supreme Coun- 


• 1 cil of. 17, 

rank in Supreme Coun¬ 
cil of .... .. 

Deputies of Supreme Council, rank of. 4, 

how appointed. 

powers of. 


to approve applications for dispensa¬ 
tions for new Bodies. 

to take charge of properties, etc., of 

, Bodies dissolved. 

duties of, in respect to returns and dues. 

Diplomas, to emanate only from Supreme Council. 

fee for. 

Discipline, all members amenable to.... 

effect of. 

member disciplined may appeal. 

Dispensations, to emanate only from Supreme Council. 

may be issued by Gr. \ Commander in recess. 


10 
9 
9 
9 

11 
19 
16 
16 

n 

23 

16 

16 

23 

24 
24 

3 

13 

14 
14 
14 
14 

14 

13 

13 

24 

23 

21 

17 
17 


21 


21 

21 

4 

9 

11 

24 

24 

11 

20 

23 

23 


11 

6 










































27 


PAGE 

Dues to Supreme Council. 20 

to be collected by Deputies. 20 

and transmitted to 
Gr. Treas. Gen. 20, 24 
to whom and when paid. 20, 24 

Emeritus members, powers of, etc. 5 

rank of. 5, 21 

Fees, for warrants. 19 

minimum for degrees. 19 

for diplomas, etc. 20 

for degrees may be greater than those prescribed, but not less.. 20 

Grand Commander, powers and duties of. 4, 6 

may appoint Grand Prior. 4 

three Marshals of the Camp. 4 

Grand Seneschal. 4 

to appoint Standing Committees. 9 

in case of resignation or disability of, Gr. Lieut. 

Commander succeeds. 6 

Grand Lieut. Commander, powers and duties of. 6 

Grand Minister of State, duties of. 6, 7 

Grand Treasurer General, duties of. . 7 

Grand Secretary General, duties of. 7 

bis office to be in the city of New York. 7 

Grand Keeper of the Archives, duties of. 7, 8 

Grand Master of Ceremonies, duties of. 8 

Grand Marshal, duties of. 8 

Grand Standard-Bearer, duties of. 8 

Grand Captain of the Guard, duties of. 8 

General Regulations. 21 

Grand Consistory, how established. 17 

officers of. 17, 18 

special meetings of. 18 

powers of. 17 

power to confer degrees. 18 

returns of. 18 

representation in Supreme Council. 17 

members of. 18 

meetings of. 18 

special meetings of. 18 

vacancies in offices in, how filled. 24 

records of proceedings of. 18 

Honorary Members of Supreme Council, how elected. 22 

powers and rights of.... 5 

rank of. 5, 21 









































28 


PAGE 

Inspector General, 33d degree, grade of, how voted. 22 

when conferred. 22 

Letters Patent, to emanate only from the Supreme Council. 4 » 11 

fees for. 20 

Lodge of Perfection, must work under dispensation three months. 20 

qualifications of first four officers. 12 

officers of. II » 12 

quorum in. I 3 

special meetings of. T 3 

returns of. 2 4 

power to confer degrees. 11 

applicant for degrees in, must be a Master Ma¬ 
son in good standing. 12 

celebrations by. *3 

officers in, election of. 12 

qualification of. 12 

to be installed. 12 

power of, to adopt By-Laws. 2 3 

Officers of Supreme Council, duties of. 6 

Sovereign Grand Commander. 6 

Grand Lieutenant Commander. 6 

Grand Minister of State. 6 

Grand Treasurer General. 7 

Grand Secretary General. 7 

Grand Keeper of Archives. 7 

Grand Master of Ceremonies. 8 

Grand Marshal General. 8 

Grand Standard-Bearer. 8 

Grand Captain of the Guard. 8 

Deputies of the Supreme Council. 9 

Orient, to be at New York. 4 

all Balustres, etc., to bear date from. 4 

Quorum in Supreme Council. 6 

in Grand Consistories. 18 

in Council of Kadosh. 17 

in Chapters. 15 

in Councils. 14 

in Lodges. 13 

Register of initiations, etc., to be kept by Secretaries. 24 

Returns, how, to whom, and when made. 24 

Revenue of Supreme Council, sources of. 19 

Rituals, to emanate only from Supreme Council. 11 

Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, rights, powers, etc., of. 5, 21 

Supreme Council, powers of. 3 

of whom composed. 3 















































Supreme Council, officers of. 4 

when and how elected. 4 

rank of officers and members of. 4, 5, 21 

quorum of. 6 

Grand Orient of. 4 

annual meetings of. 5 

when held. 5 

how opened. 5 

special meetings of. 5 

conferring degrees by. 10 

revenue of. 19 

charters to emanate from. 11 

dues to. 20 

Deputies of. 9 

rituals to emanate from. 11 

authority over degrees. 10 

vacancies in offices in, how filled. 6 

qualifications of candidates for degrees in. 22 

Subordinate Bodies. 10 

must work under dispensation three months. 20 

Warrants. 19 


























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